Mind, Body & Spirit,  On Relationships

Twenty-Seven Things Only Life Can Teach You

I spent the past few weeks considering how I wanted to address this year’s birthday post. I take pride in reflecting on where I’ve been, where I am, and where I want to be. I re-read last year’s birthday post and I remembered exactly where I was and how I felt when I wrote it. If you’d told me this time last year, all of the places I would go, all of the people I would meet, and all of the momentous moments that would happen, I would’ve never believed you. I considered writing about all of the special moments and occurrences in my 27th year, but the posts in this blog already document that. So, instead, I decided to reflect on my past 27 years, and look at the important life lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. It’s fun to try new things, even if you’re not good at them. Trying new things keeps you young. Never stop challenging yourself.

2. It’s good to have role models. You shouldn’t ever want to be anyone else completely, but it’s good to have others to look up to.

3. There’s a BIG world out there and every person, place, and thing have a story. Listen to them.

4. Those moments between you and a good book, are yours and yours alone. Cherish them.

5. That also goes for a hot bath and a glass of wine.

6. Your friends are precious gems; they each shine in unique and beautiful ways.

7. Always laugh through the awkward moments with your friends. And by that, I mean, laugh at your friends. It’s good for your stomach muscles and for well-defined cheekbones.

8. At the end of the day, there are certain things about you that only your family will know and truly understand.

9. Nephews and nieces are the best. Simple as that.

10. I like dogs more than people. They’re just better company. As Bukowski said, “dogs and angels are not very far apart.”

11. I still get surprised once a day. I like that about life.

12. Hangovers, unlike wine, get worse with age.

13. 4 Ibuprofen’s, 2 cups of coffee, 1 large Gatorade, a glass of chocolate milk, a yoga stretch, a hot shower, a full night’s sleep and a bag of Doritos later, the hangover will go away.

14. When it feels like your world is coming to an end, chances are it is. Don’t forget endings are good, they challenge us to start new beginnings. (As mentioned in # 1, it’s good to challenge yourself.) So when your sky begins to fall, remember to breathe. You have no idea of your true strength until you face these moments.

15. Quoting movie lines is not just a talent – it’s a language spoken among kindred spirits.

16. It’s okay to have regrets, as long as you don’t let them define you.

17. Losses are easier to remember, but never ever let yourself forget how good it feels to win.

18. Be unapologetic about who you are.

19. If you have the opportunity to see the sun rise over the ocean or sea, you get your ass up and you watch the sunrise.

20. Don’t put too much emphasis on the materialistic things in life. You’ll lose things, items go out of style, and they’ll always just be objects. But when you get something materialistic that you really, truly love, put emphasis where emphasisis deserved.

21. Abnormal isn’t always a bad thing.

22. When you screw up, put your ego aside and say you’re sorry.

23. Never stop dreaming.

24. Make goals for yourself and celebrate when you accomplish them.

25. When it comes to love, go big or go home. Don’t shy away.

26.If you don’t want to do something, say, “No.” But don’t let “No” be a crutch to avoid trying new things and experiencing life.

27. Keith Richards is right, “If you don’t make bold moves you don’t get fucking anywhere.”

Following a five-year stint in New York City, Ashley is now a Los Angeles transplant. Having grown up in rural Kentucky, Ashley is passionate to share self-care techniques used around the world and hopes to make them accessible to folks in rural communities. Ashley believes in gratitude, personal legends, and doing good. Aside from being a business leader in her professional life, Ashley is a novelist and freelance writer.

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